Owning a Sleep Number® smart bed is a step in the right direction to finding comfort and relief from back pain. While innerspring mattresses can unevenly distribute weight creating uncomfortable pressure points, DualAir™ technology, available with all Sleep Number smart bed, allows you to adjust to your ideal level of firmness, comfort and support.
Follow these tips if back pain is keeping you awake at night or getting in the way of deep, restful sleep.
Adjust your Sleep Number® setting
If you just got your bed, go through the Sleep Number® app or remote process to find your Sleep Number setting. If you've been sleeping on your bed for a while, try these adjustments tailored to your sleeping position.
- For upper back pain:
- Back sleepers: Try increasing your Sleep Number® setting by 5 or 10
- Side sleepers: Try increasing your Sleep Number® setting by 5 or 10
- Stomach sleepers: Try decreasing your Sleep Number® setting by 5 or 10
- For lower back pain:
- Back sleepers: Try decreasing your Sleep Number® setting by 5 or 10
- Side sleepers: Try decreasing your Sleep Number® setting by 5 or 10
- Stomach sleepers: Try increasing your Sleep Number® setting by 5 or 10
Check Your Pillow Placement
Place your pillow under your neck, so that the base of the pillow is touching your shoulders. Avoid placing your pillow too high on your head, resulting in strain on the neck and back. Alignment at the top of your neck and spine, leads to better alignment at the lower back and hips.
The information in Tips for Relieving Neck and Shoulder Pain may also be helpful to you.
Try a different sleeping position
Some sleeping positions are better than others for relieving back pain.
- Side sleeping is best.
- For the best back support, experts recommend sleeping on your side with your knees drawn up slightly toward your chest (“fetal position”).
- Try placing a pillow between your knees to help keep your spine properly aligned and to reduce stress on your hips and lower back.
- Back sleepers may need extra support
- To ensure the best alignment while sleeping on your back, make sure your pillow is supporting the curve of your neck to reduce stress on your lower back. You may need a firmer or contoured pillow.
- Stomach sleeping
- Sleeping on your stomach may be the least comfortable when trying to avoid back pain. Though it may help reduce snoring, this position can strain your back and neck and cause restlessness. If you can’t sleep any other way, try placing a soft pillow under your stomach.
If you're still experiencing discomfort, please contact us, so we can help. We are committed to helping you get the best sleep of your life!